Did You Know? Some Colleges Let You Self-Report Your Grades, No Transcript Needed (at First!)
- Majella McNamara
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
When applying to college, most students expect to request an official high school transcript from their school and pay to have it sent to every college on their list. But several colleges now accept self-reported grades on your application, at least during the admissions review process.
What Is Self-Reporting?
Self-reporting means you, the student, enter your own courses and grades directly into the college application. You do not need to send an official transcript during the admissions review, only if you enroll at the college later on.
This is often done through the following options, depending on the schools preference:
The Common App
The Coalition Application
A school’s own application portal
STARS/SRAR system - https://ssar.selfreportedtranscript.com/Login.aspx
Once you are accepted and decide to attend, you will be required to send an official transcript from your high school for verification. If anything doesn’t match, your acceptance could be rescinded, so it’s critical to report everything accurately.
Why Do Colleges Offer This Option?
Colleges use self-reported academic information to:
Speed up application review (no waiting for official documents)
Reduce administrative work
Make it easier and more affordable for students applying to multiple colleges
Examples of Colleges That Accept Self-Reported Grades
Here are just a few well-known universities that allow or require self-reported grades at the application stage:
University of Florida (UF)
Florida State University (FSU)
University of Central Florida (UCF)
Penn State University
Rutgers University
Virginia Tech
** Policies can change, so always check each school’s admissions website to confirm their current process.
Tips for Self-Reporting
1. Use Your Unofficial Transcript
Have your most recent unofficial high school transcript with you when entering information. Make sure the course names, grade levels (e.g., Honors, AP, IB), and final grades you enter are identical to what your school lists.
2. Don’t Guess or Round Up
Being off by even one letter grade or credit hour can raise red flags. Accuracy is critical!
3. Understand GPA Conversions
Some colleges ask for unweighted grades only, while others allow weighted GPAs. Follow their instructions carefully.
4. Know When to Send the Official Transcript to Schools That Accepted Self Reported Courses & Grades
Review each schools application portal to see what documentation and follow-up they require and when.
Often required after you are accepted and decide to enroll
Why This Matters for Your College Journey
Saves Money No transcript fees for each college upfront.
Faster Reviews: No waiting for school offices to send documents.
More Control: You handle your own data entry and timing.
This can be especially helpful for students applying to multiple schools early, or during peak deadlines when counselor offices are backed up.
Final Thoughts
Self-reporting your grades is an opportunity, but it comes with responsibility. Always be honest, careful, and detail oriented. Double-check everything, and if you're unsure how to report something, ask your counselor or reach out to the college's admissions office.
